4 heatwaves on way this summer, say forecasters

SCOTLAND may have missed out on the recent heatwave which saw much of the UK sizzle.

However forecasters have welcome news – there are four more hot spells on the way.

Temperatures south of the Border soared as high as 32.7C (91F) on Friday, but Scotland was way behind with temperatures in the mid-teens.

Dry and bright weather is on the horizon for the next few days but forecasters suggest there could soon be a return to a ‘Spanish summer’ with four more heatwaves on the way.

In response to the warming climate, the Met Office recently changed its definition of a heatwave meaning it requires certain thresholds to be met for three conwith secutive days. It changes area by area with temperatures of at least 28C (82F) required in London and the Home Counties, 27C (80F) across the rest of the South-East of England and most of the Midlands, 26C (79F) in the North-West Midlands and Welsh Borders, and 25C (77F) in Scotland.

Leon Brown, of forecasters The Weather Company, said: ‘More heatwaves imported from the continent to the UK are forecast this summer, each reaching at least 28C – and probably higher – and each lasting several days.’

Mr Brown, the head of meteorological operations, said the next hot spell was forecast for early July another predicted for the second half of the month.

‘With heat building further in western Europe by July and a similar airflow to Friday expected from Spain again, it would bring even hotter temperatures than Friday,’ he said. ‘We should see well into the 30s – 36C (97F) would not be at all surprising.’

He added: ‘A third hot period is due in August, with September having further hot spell potential. Warmth can be brought to the UK in September by tropical storms tracking across the Atlantic.’ In contrast to Britain, Europe continued to experience sweltering temperatures yesterday.

Outdoor public events were banned in parts of southern France and Paris recorded its hottest ever June day with temperatures predicted to reach 42C (107F).

In Spain, temperatures were forecast to hit highs of 43C (109F), according to the government’s Aemet weather service. Firefighters battled forest blazes in the northwest Sierra de la Culebra region which have forced 200 people from their homes.

Most of Scotland will remain dry today, with some spells of sunshine for Father’s Day. Temperatures are on the rise and by tomorrow Edinburgh could see 20C (68F).

‘More heatwaves from the continent forecast’